Hinge assembly

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority to German patent application no. 10 2010 041 960.5 filed on Oct. 5, 2010 and German patent application no. 10 2010 038 677.4 filed on Jul. 30, 2010, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a hinge assembly for the hinged bearing of a first machine part relative to a second machine part.

BACKGROUND

In construction vehicles, hinges are often required to provide a large tilt angle and/or pivot angle between two components (machine parts) that are disposed at an angle relative to each other. In most cases, such hinge assemblies include a ball joint and/or a hinge bearing. Due to the required tilt angle or pivot angle between the machine parts, which angle can exceed 40° in some cases, the sliding spherical surface of the ball joint can come out of the range of the slide surface at the maximum tilt angle so that it will be directly exposed to environmental influences.

Therefore, regular maintenance of previously known hinge assemblies of the above-mentioned type is required. A maintenance-free embodiment has not been possible for the previously known designs.

In addition, increased wear occurs in the known hinge assemblies due to dirt particles being brought into the interior of the hinge assembly via the slide surface.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present teachings to provide improved hinge assemblies. In addition or in the alternative, the hinge assemblies may be essentially maintenance-free or, in any event, only require minimal maintenance, even for hinge assemblies capable of supporting relatively large pivot angles between the machine parts. In addition or in the alternative, the wear in the hinge assembly may be significantly reduced, thereby providing a durable, maintenance-free hinge assembly. In such embodiments, the hinge assembly may be particularly well suited for construction vehicles that are utilized in harsh environmental conditions.

In one aspect of the present teachings, a first machine part and a second machine part are each pivotably connected with a hinge part. The first machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one first hinge point, which permits a rotation of the first machine part around the first axis relative to the hinge part. The second machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one second hinge point, which permits a rotation of the second machine part around a third axis relative to the hinge part. The third axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

The hinge assembly is preferably designed to pivot the first machine part relative to the second machine part about a pivot angle of at least 20° about the third axis, more preferably at least 30°, even more preferably at least 40°.

A first plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, and a second plane, which is perpendicular to the third axis, are preferably perpendicular to each other.

The first hinge point can comprise at least one slide bearing. The second hinge point can also include at least one slide bearing. In each case, the slide bearing can be designed as a sleeve made of or comprising a slidable or slide material. The sleeve is connected with one of the machine parts or with the hinge part. The sleeve is preferably made of steel, bronze, plastic or a composite material. In the embodiment that comprises the composite material, a sleeve (e.g., made of steel) provides the essential mechanical stability and a slidable layer, e.g., made of PTFE, can be applied to the sleeve, e.g., by rolling-in or running-in of PTFE powder.

In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, an axial end-side portion of the sleeve includes a flange-like enlargement (extension in the radial direction) or flange, which comprises an axial slip surface that provides a low friction surface during start-up. In this embodiment, two partial bushings can also be provided, which each have a flange-shaped cross-section on the end-side. In this case, the two partial bushings are inserted into the hinge point from different sides. Thus, movements at the end faces are also possible in an optimal manner.

The first hinge point can comprise a pin formed on the axial end of the first machine part. The pin extends through a bore in the hinge part.

The second hinge point is preferably formed in two parts and is disposed in two parts of a fork-shaped end portion of the second machine part.

At least one of the two machine parts is preferably a pin of a construction vehicle, e.g., a bearing pin.

In another aspect of the present teachings, a hinge is provided that tiltably and/or pivotably connects two components (e.g., machine parts), e.g., shafts, that extend at an angle relative to each other in a manner. The hinge assembly may be designed as a type of a gimbal.

Further objects, advantages, and embodiments of the present teachings will be understood by the person of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the exemplary embodiments described in the following in connection with the accompanying figures as well as the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> schematically shows two machine parts of a construction vehicle, which are disposed so as to be pivotable relative to each other.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows the hinge part of the hinge assembly of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in a view along the direction of the first axis of the hinge assembly.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an alternative embodiment of the hinge part in the illustration similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> schematically shows the two machine parts, wherein the illustration presents relative angles between a first machine part, a second machine part, and a hinge part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 4</figref>, a hinge assembly <b>1</b> connects a first machine part <b>2</b> with a second machine part <b>3</b> in such a manner that a large relative pivot angle between the machine parts <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> is made possible, e.g., in the range of 40° between the first axis X of the first machine part <b>2</b> and the second axis Y of the second machine part <b>3</b>.

More particularly, the two machine parts <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> are connected with a hinge part <b>4</b> in a hinged manner so that the hinge part <b>4</b> acts as intermediate link between the two machine parts <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>.

A first hinge point <b>5</b> is formed between the first machine part <b>2</b> and the hinge part <b>4</b>. In the present embodiment, the hinge point <b>5</b> is formed as a slide bearing <b>7</b>, wherein the slide bearing <b>7</b> is fabricated as a hollow-cylindrical sleeve made of or at least comprises a slide bearing material, e.g., a known slide bearing material. The slide bearing <b>7</b> is attached in a bore <b>10</b> of the hinge part <b>4</b> and supports a pin <b>9</b>, which is formed in the axial end portion of the first machine part <b>2</b>. A disk <b>15</b> can be, e.g., screwed onto an end side in order to axially affix the first machine part <b>2</b> relative to the hinge part <b>4</b>.

A second hinge point <b>6</b> is formed between the second machine part <b>3</b> and the hinge part <b>4</b>. The hinge point <b>6</b> is divided, in the present embodiment, into two partial hinge points. This hinge point and/or the two partial hinge points are also each formed as a slide bearing <b>8</b>′ and <b>8</b>″, respectively, which each comprise a hollow-cylindrical sleeve made of a slide bearing material. The two slide bearings <b>8</b>′, <b>8</b>″ are attached in a first fork bore <b>16</b>′ and a second fork bore <b>16</b>″, respectively, in the fork-like end portion of the second machine part <b>3</b>, i.e. in the parts <b>11</b> and <b>12</b> of the fork. The two slide bearings <b>8</b>′, <b>8</b>″ respectively support the pins <b>13</b> and <b>14</b> of the hinge part <b>4</b>.

As a result of this arrangement, the second machine part <b>3</b> can pivot about a third axis Z relative to the hinge part <b>4</b>. The third axis Z is perpendicular to the second axis Y (see the pivot angle D₂illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). It is noted that the first machine part <b>2</b> lies in the plane of the drawing of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, whereas the second machine part <b>3</b> projects out of the drawing plane. A right angle between the axes Y and Z is defined at their intersection.

The first machine part <b>2</b> of the hinge assembly <b>1</b> is thus pivotably supported with the pin <b>9</b> in the hinge part <b>4</b> so that the hinge part <b>4</b> can pivot about the pin <b>9</b>, i.e. about the first axis X. This pivoting movement is indicated by D₁in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The first machine part <b>2</b> can, e.g., be a part of a housing of a construction vehicle.

The hinge part <b>4</b> further includes two pins <b>13</b> and <b>14</b> extending from respective ends thereof. The pins <b>13</b> and <b>14</b> are pivotably supported in the fork by the parts <b>11</b> and <b>12</b>.

A first pivot plane between the first machine part <b>2</b> and the hinge part <b>4</b> and a second pivot plane between the hinge part <b>4</b> and the fork are preferably perpendicular to one another.

The second machine part <b>3</b> is, e.g., a part of a cylindrical shaft of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder of the construction vehicle. The fork, which is located in the axial end portion of the second machine part <b>3</b>, can be embodied as one-piece. However, it can instead include two half-shells, which are screwed onto the pins <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> of the hinge part <b>4</b>.

Two possible embodiments of the hinge part <b>4</b> are illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, which show a view along the direction of the first axis X. The slide bearing <b>7</b> with the bore <b>10</b> for receiving the pin <b>9</b> of the first machine part <b>2</b> can be seen in the lower portion. The pins <b>13</b> and <b>14</b> of the hinge part <b>4</b> that will be retained in the fork of the second machine part <b>3</b> can be recognized above.

In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the upper portion is provided with a bore. Pins can be inserted into this bore and pins may also be supported in the bore, if desired, by sleeves. In this embodiment, a kinematic reversal is thus provided, as compared with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

The second machine part <b>3</b>, e.g., a cylindrical shaft, is retained on the first machine part <b>2</b> and, in particular, on its pin <b>9</b>, which can support large loads. At the same time, the second machine part <b>3</b> can carry out a pivoting and/or tilting movement about a relatively large angle due to the three-dimensional connection to the first machine part <b>2</b>. The pivoting may be divided into two partial pivot movements. Accordingly, this pivoting arrangement can be implemented in a simple manner and even with known slide or roller bearings that are preferably sealed.

In such embodiments, no maintenance and/or, in any case, a very simple maintenance with little wear as well is provided in an advantageous manner as compared with the previously known hinge assemblies having a ball joint.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

<ul><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0034"><b>1</b> hinge assembly</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0035"><b>2</b> first machine part</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0036"><b>3</b> second machine part</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0037"><b>4</b> hinge part</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0038"><b>5</b> first hinge point</li><li id="ul0002-0006" num="0039"><b>6</b> second hinge points</li><li id="ul0002-0007" num="0040"><b>7</b> slide bearing</li><li id="ul0002-0008" num="0041"><b>8</b>′ slide bearing</li><li id="ul0002-0009" num="0042"><b>8</b>″ slide bearing</li><li id="ul0002-0010" num="0043"><b>9</b> first machine part pin (bolt)</li><li id="ul0002-0011" num="0044"><b>10</b> hinge part bore</li><li id="ul0002-0012" num="0045"><b>10</b>′ annular ring portion about the hinge part body bore</li><li id="ul0002-0013" num="0046"><b>11</b> first part of the fork</li><li id="ul0002-0014" num="0047"><b>12</b> second part of the fork</li><li id="ul0002-0015" num="0048"><b>13</b> pin (bolt)</li><li id="ul0002-0016" num="0049"><b>14</b> pin (bolt)</li><li id="ul0002-0017" num="0050"><b>15</b> disk</li><li id="ul0002-0018" num="0051"><b>16</b>′ first fork bore</li><li id="ul0002-0019" num="0052"><b>16</b>″ second fork bore</li><li id="ul0002-0020" num="0053"><b>17</b> second machine part elongated portion</li><li id="ul0002-0021" num="0054"><b>20</b> first axis and second axis defining plane</li><li id="ul0002-0022" num="0055"><b>21</b> second axis and third axis defining plane</li><li id="ul0002-0023" num="0056">S span or void extending between first part of fork and second part of fork</li><li id="ul0002-0024" num="0057">X first axis (elongated axis of the first machine part/hinge part bore axis)</li><li id="ul0002-0025" num="0058">Y second axis (elongated axis of the second machine part)</li><li id="ul0002-0026" num="0059">Z third axis (hinge part axis central rotational axis of the first fork bore and the second fork bore/hinge part longitudinal axis)</li></ul></li></ul>